Main Article Content
Abstract
Granulation is a crucial process in pharmaceutical production, specifically in the manufacturing of tablets and capsules. It involves enlarging particles through agglomeration to create free- flowing, dust-free granules that are easy to compress. However, granulation presents various challenges due to the high quality standards required for the granules in terms of uniformity, size, density, hardness, moisture content, compressibility, and stability. There are two main types of granulation processes: wet granulation, which involves the use of liquid, and dry granulation, which does not require liquid. Choosing the appropriate process depends on understanding the physicochemical properties of the drug, excipients, desired flow and release characteristics, among others. Various technologies such as spray drying, roller compaction, high shear mixing, and fluid bed granulation are commonly used in granulation. The field of pharmaceutical granulation technology is continuously evolving, with new and innovative technologies emerging. This review highlights recent advancements in granulation techniques and technologies, including pneumatic dry granulation, reverse wet granulation, steam granulation, moisture-activated dry granulation, thermal adhesion granulation, freeze granulation, and foamed binder or foam granulation, providing a brief description of each development along with its significance and limitations.